Liverpool complete deals for Downing and Doni

England winger Stewart Downing cannot wait "to run out at Anfield" after joining Liverpool FC from Aston Villa FC for a fee thought to be in excess of €20m.

The 26-year-old passed a medical on Thursday before signing a long-term deal with the Reds, who will not play in Europe this season after finishing sixth in the Premier League. "It's a great feeling and I'm very happy to be here," said former Middlesbrough FC trainee Downing, who played 63 top-flight matches in two terms at Villa Park.

"It's been a long time coming and I've had to wait a few weeks, but I'm really pleased to be here. With the tradition, the manager and the players they have here, there was a big temptation to come here and once I knew of their interest, there was only one place I wanted to go. It will be a great feeling to run out at Anfield."

Manager Kenny Dalglish has invested substantially in British talent this summer, adding Downing to the signings of England Under-21 midfielder Jordan Henderson from Sunderland AFC and Scottish international Charlie Adam from relegated Blackpool FC.

The Anfield club have also announced the capture of former Brazil goalkeeper Doni from AS Roma. The 31-year-old made 149 Serie A appearances in six campaigns with the Giallorossi and won the Coppa Italia twice. No details of the fee or contract length have been released for a player capped ten times by his country.

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